Tried those click-lock vinyl planks after years of glue-down only

Had a job last month in a basement where the slab was still curing. Normally I would have pushed the glue anyway and hoped for the best. But the GC talked me into trying a floating click system from one of the big box stores. No glue meant no waiting and no moisture issues. The customer saved about $400 on labor too. Anybody else found a good situation for floating floors over glue?

2 comments

2 Comments

mark_hernandez121mo agoMost Upvoted

Gotta stop you there on the "saved $400 on labor" part because that math might be a little off. Floating floors take less prep time but they aren't always cheaper to install since you still gotta cut and click every single piece and deal with expansion gaps. I've done both and the labor savings really depends on the room shape and how many cuts you need. Glue-down can actually be faster in a simple square room if you know what you're doing. The moisture thing is a real benefit though, especially in basements, so that part I totally agree with you on. Just wanted to make sure nobody thinks floating is always cheaper because it really isn't.

price.jake1mo agoMost Upvoted

Yeah, you're right about that. I did a floating floor in a long narrow hallway once and the cutting took forever. Glue down would have been way faster there. Plus you gotta be real careful with the expansion gaps around door frames and posts or you'll get buckling later.